Essential Tools for Scraping & Incising Encaustic Wax

When working with encaustic wax, one of the most satisfying aspects of the medium is the ability to scrape, incise, and carve into the surface, revealing layers of colour and texture beneath. Everyday tools like paint scrapers, razor blades, and pottery tools can also be incredibly effective.

Why Pottery Tools?

Pottery tools, designed for shaping and detailing clay, are perfect for encaustic work. Their sturdy construction, ergonomic design, and variety of shapes make them ideal for scraping and incising into wax. I use them to scrape off brush marks and to incise fine lines into the wax.

Tools for scraping and incising encaustic wax

1. Loop Tools
   Loop tools are fantastic for scraping away layers of wax to reveal hidden colours or create texture. Try different sizes and shapes of loops. I like using two or more loop tools at all times. This way, I canreach for a clean one and pop the messy one onto the side of the griddle to melt the waxy residue off.
2. Needle Tools
   Perfect for incising precise lines, needle tools can be used to draw directly into the wax. Fill incised lines with a contrasting colour of wax or with oil paint or pigment stick. Needle tools also work well for removing brush hairs from your encaustic paintings.
3. Flat Steel Scraper
   I keep my flat steel scraper on the edge of my griddle, so it’s always warm and ready to use. Before each use, I wipe it clean with a paper towel. A warm scraper glides smoothly across the wax, allowing me to remove thin, even layers. It works similarly to a razor blade but offers the advantage of a larger surface area, making it easier to cover more ground. This tool is also excellent for pressing collage elements firmly into the wax, ensuring they adhere seamlessly. When working with stencils in encaustic painting, I use the scraper to smooth the wax over the stencil before carefully lifting it away, leaving crisp, clean edges.
4. Razor Blade with holder
   A razor blade holder will make it easier to use a razor blade to scrape off thin layers of encaustic medium. I have a metal holder but I prefer light-weight plastic ones.

Tips for Using Pottery Tools with Encaustic

• Warm the Wax: Slightly warming the surface before scraping or incising makes the wax more pliable and easier to work with.
• Warm Your Tools: Lay your tool on the edge of your hot griddle to warm it up. A warm tool will slide through the wax like butter, making it easier to create smooth, clean marks. This also doubles as an easy cleaning method—simply wipe the warm tool clean with a paper towel.
• Experiment with Pressure: Varying the pressure of your tool can create different effects, from subtle textures to deep grooves.
• Layer Colours: Use pottery tools to scrape away the top layer of wax, revealing contrasting colours beneath for striking effects.
• Clean as You Go: Keep a paper towel handy to quickly wipe off any wax buildup on your tools.

Affordable and Accessible

One of the best things about pottery tools is their affordability and availability. You can find them at most art supply stores or online, and they’re often sold in sets, giving you a variety of tools to experiment with.

Expand Your Encaustic Toolkit

Incorporating pottery tools into your encaustic practice can open up new creative possibilities. Whether you’re carving intricate designs, revealing hidden layers, or experimenting with textures, these versatile tools are a must-have for any encaustic artist.

What’s your must-have tool?

Do you have another must-have scraping, carving, or incising tool that I haven’t mentioned? Please add a comment below.